50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Get Specific about the College
“Add a personal touch and emotions to your essay, regardless of what the 
topic is. remember to give the reader an idea of you as a person, and replace 
ambiguity (such as “I work very hard”, “I love subject X”) with very specific 
examples or experiences.
“Also, if possible, relate your story to something unique to the school you 
are applying to. For example, I am passionate about environmental issues, and 
Duke University has one of the best environmental programs in the U.S.”
—Pen-Yuan Hsing, Duke University